Google to get electricity from nuclear reactors to power Artificial Intelligence

These reactors are expected to generate up to 500 megawatts of power, providing a consistent and carbon-free energy source for Google's data centre.

In Short

• It is seen as a potential game-changer in the nuclear energy sector
• Small modular reactors are more compact and potentially easier to deploy
• It remains controversial due to concerns about waste disposal

Google has entered into an agreement with Kairos Power to utilise small nuclear reactors to power its artificial intelligence (AI) operations.

This deal marks a significant shift in the tech industry's approach to meeting the escalating energy demands of AI technologies.

The partnership aims to bring Kairos Power's first small modular reactor (SMR) online by 2030, with additional reactors planned through 2035.

Collectively, these reactors are expected to generate up to 500 megawatts of power, providing a consistent and carbon-free energy source for Google's data centres.

"The next generation of advanced nuclear reactors offers a new pathway to accelerate nuclear deployment thanks to their simplified design and robust, inherent safety," Google said in a statement.

Google's senior director of energy and climate emphasised the critical role of nuclear energy in supporting clean growth and AI progress. "The grid needs these kinds of clean, reliable sources of energy that can support the build-out of these technologies," he stated during a briefing.

This move aligns with a growing trend among tech giants seeking sustainable energy solutions for their expanding AI operations.

Recently, Microsoft announced plans to utilise energy from the Three Mile Island nuclear facility, while Amazon has invested in a nuclear-powered data centre campus.

The adoption of SMR technology is seen as a potential game-changer in the nuclear energy sector. These reactors are more compact and potentially easier to deploy than traditional nuclear plants. However, the technology is still in its early stages and awaits regulatory approval.

Kairos Power's CEO, Mike Laufer, views this partnership as a significant opportunity to mature SMR technology. The company's reactors use a molten-salt cooling system, promising enhanced safety and efficiency.

While nuclear energy offers a consistent power source compared to solar and wind, it remains controversial due to concerns about waste disposal, potential accidents, and high costs.

Nevertheless, as AI's energy demands continue to surge, tech companies are increasingly turning to nuclear power as a viable solution for their growing energy needs.